EASA AD CF-1972-06R5
Flight Controls - Damage from Ground Gusts
Summary
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-1972-06R5 addresses flight control damage caused by ground gusts on Viking Air Ltd. de Havilland DHC-6 series aeroplanes, including models DHC-6-100, -200, -300, and DHC-6-400. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions for control columns, elevator/rudder pulley brackets, and elevator quadrants to prevent potential loss of aircraft control due to structural damage.
What Changed
This revision clarifies the applicability of corrective actions and endorses Service Bulletin 6/511 as an acceptable method for some inspections. It also replaces dye penetrant inspection with fluorescent penetrant inspection for elevator quadrant support brackets and updates inspection intervals and repair criteria for affected components.
Why It Matters
The directive is critical for maintaining flight safety by preventing failure of flight control components damaged by ground gusts. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections and repairs to avoid in-flight control loss, thereby reducing risk and ensuring regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators must perform specified inspections of the control column, elevator/rudder pulley brackets, and elevator quadrant before further flight and at defined intervals, especially after exposure to strong winds. Required modifications must be incorporated by stated deadlines, and any detected damage must be repaired or replaced promptly according to the directive's criteria.
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